Set against the backdrop of 1974 Ireland, this gripping tale begins outside a Belfast pub, where Dorieann McCann, Conor McGrath, and Seamus McKenna, all members of the IRA, anxiously await the arrival of two individuals. McKenna cleverly positions another vehicle in front of the pub and sets a timed bomb. As they linger, Dorieann catches sight of a woman accompanied by her three children approaching the pub. An argument between two boys over schoolbooks prolongs their stay in front of the establishment. Alarmed, Dorieann exits the vehicle, urgently motioning the woman to flee with her children, drawing unwarranted attention. The exchange between them speaks volumes, and the woman perceives the imminent peril. Tragically, the explosion detonates prematurely, resulting in the death of the woman, her children, and the pub’s patrons. With no choice but to escape, Dorieann and her associates flee the scene, switch vehicles, set the first car ablaze, and accidentally damage a town sign as they navigate the back roads. This very sign tragically marks the town where they plan to remain hidden until tensions ease.
In West Coast Donegal, Finbar Murphy and police chief Vinnie O'Shea indulge in a friendly shooting match atop a cliff, using Murphy's shotgun to hit tin cans. After a competitive bout, Murphy emerges victorious, eliciting playful banter about his winning streak. Their light-hearted discussion turns to the topic of literature when Murphy mentions his transition from reading "Gulliver’s Travels" to delving into the works of Dostoevsky. Meanwhile, O'Shea examines a damaged town sign, the same one that Dorieann and her associates had vandalized earlier, leading to a lively debate over the color of paint found on it.
As they return home, O'Shea engages in some flirtation with his neighbor Rita. Finding a branch on his car, he understands it as a discreet indication of an impending assignment. Looking in the glove compartment, Murphy discovers a photograph of his next target, Bart McGuiness.
While driving, Murphy hears a radio report detailing a bombing that claimed six lives, notably three children. The very next day, he drives to a remote forest, where he encounters Kevin, a fellow assassin. In the trunk, they find a bound McGuiness, whom Murphy instructs to walk into the woods with a small tree. Handing him a shovel, Murphy then commands him to dig. The tension escalates when Murphy presents McGuiness with an egg timer, granting him one minute to speak any final words. In a somber exchange, McGuiness observes the saplings surrounding them, each marking a grave. Acknowledging his past misdeeds, McGuiness accepts his fate, advising Murphy to engage in good deeds before facing a similar end. As the timer alarms, Murphy, despite hesitating upon hearing McGuiness sing, fulfills his grim task.
After burying McGuiness and planting another tree, Murphy meets Robert McQue to collect his payment. During their conversation, he declares his retirement, suggesting that future assignments be sent to Kevin. Reflecting on potential pursuits like gardening brings discomfort to Robert, who remains skeptical of Kevin’s reckless temperament but ultimately concedes to Murphy’s decision with a hesitant respect.
As Murphy returns home, he begins to clear his yard, capturing the attention of Rita. He then visits the local store to buy seeds, symbolizing a hopeful new beginning. Sharing a meal with Rita, she queries about his late wife Margaret, prompting Murphy to recount how they met at a bookstore. Drawing inappropriate parallels between Rita and Margaret causes him momentary regret, especially considering Rita's ailing husband nearby.
That same evening, Murphy meets young Moya while she’s fishing. In an attempt to help, he accidentally drops a box of food into the water, and her bruises lead to his concern. Later at the pub, Murphy discusses the incident with Sinead, Moya's mother, only to notice her disturbed reaction.
Outside, he spots Moya trying to escape on horseback and encourages her to return home. Shortly after, he encounters Curtis June (Desmond Eastwood), who appears to threaten Moya. The next day, Curtis delivers provisions to McCann and her associates but is chided for being too visible.
Attempting to rectify the situation, Murphy returns with groceries for Sinead only to find Moya clutching a bullet marked with a cross—an object of intimidation from Curtis. Despite knowing of his connection to the IRA, Murphy contemplates eliminating Curtis but is cautioned by Robert about the local ramifications. However, Murphy realizes the urgency of Moya's plight and makes the decision to act.
In a tense confrontation, Murphy manuevers to take down Curtis in a secluded area, but the struggle leads to Kevin unexpectedly intervening. The dramatic scene culminates when Kevin accidentally kills Curtis, prompting a complex series of events that lead back to the tumult of the past.
As the dusk settles, the narrative unfurls into a series of conflicts marked by inner turmoil, reflections on violence, and the consequences of unchecked revenge. Set against the somber reality of their choices, both Murphy and McCann find their fates intertwined in a tragic reflection of life shaped by violence and despair. The haunting legacy of loss and redemption resonate throughout as both characters confront the ghosts of their pasts while seeking a semblance of peace in an unforgiving world.
